4.8.9. Cell encapsulation in ionically alginate hydrogel

Alginate was purified as reported previously in our group.³² Purified alginate was dissolved in DMEM media with 1% penicillin/streptomycin (P/S) at an initial concentration of 2.5 wt%. The hydrogel was made by mixing alginate stock solution at 2.5 wt% with calcium sulfate slurry of 1.22 M and ATDC5 cell suspension using Luer-lock syringes connected with a female-female connector. The mixed solution was deposited into 48 well-plate (non-adherent) and allowed to gel for 45–60 minutes. Alginate final concentration was adjusted to 2 wt% and calcium sulfate concentration was 25 mM.